THE V&A Dundee, Drum Property Group and Hendrick’s Gin Palace, Girvan were among the big winners at the Scottish Property Awards held in Glasgow last night (28 February).
Over 700 guests were in attendance as the best new commercial and public buildings in Scotland were recognised, with Drum Property Group going home with the top award of the evening – Property Company of the Year.
The firm was commended by the judging panel for its continued growth in the last twelve months and the impact of its activity on the commercial property sector. Drum is currently developing the Buchanan Wharf office complex in Glasgow after striking a deal with Barclays.
Graeme Bone, group managing director at Drum said, “We are obviously delighted for Drum’s continued growth to be recognised at the awards and are particularly proud to be named Property Company of the Year. This reflects our continued growth and impact across Scotland and the UK.
“The award is a fitting testament to the dedication and commitment of the team, following a period of significant activity across the central belt over the past year. In addition to the major projects already underway, we have an exciting pipeline of new projects and are looking forward to continuing to build on this success in 2019 and beyond.”
The V&A Dundee was also a big winner on the night, bagging awards for both Architectural Excellence and Development of the Year (Public Buildings). The judges recognised the visitor attraction as both a new iconic landmark for the city of Dundee and a development of significant economic impact, both internationally and for the local economy.
Michael Laird Architects received the Architectural Excellence (Commercial) award for Hendrick’s Gin Palace in Girvan, while Chris Stewart Group was recognised in the Development of the Year (Commercial) category for the Edinburgh Grand in the city’s St Andrews Square.
The Business Leadership Award was presented to Ann Allen MBE, executive director of estates and commercial services at the University of Glasgow. She commented, “It is a real honour to receive the Business Leadership Award in the Scottish Property Awards. I am particularly pleased to receive this award as it recognises the contribution higher education is making into the property and the built environment.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the outstanding team working on the University’s £1 billion Campus Development programme which will not only transform the teaching and research environment at the University but transform the west end of the city of Glasgow and further afield. This is the University’s biggest estates programme since 1870 and one of the biggest construction programmes in Scotland’s education sector. Any leader is only as good as his or her team members.”
The Deal of the Year category was voted for by attendees via live text vote. Seven transactions, noted for complexity, size, risk and value, were put forward by the judges. The award was presented to Chris Stewart Group, Hines European Core Fund, Knight Frank, CuthbertWhite, JLL, Baillie Gifford and Ryden for 20 West Register Street (formerly The Mint Building), Edinburgh.
Fiona Morton, chair of the judging panel said, “On behalf of the judging panel, I would like to extend congratulations to all the finalists and winners in this year’s Scottish Property Awards. 2019 saw the greatest number of both entries and firms in the competition’s 6-year history, which is testament to the credibility of the programme.
“Judging in the awards is hugely rewarding for everyone involved and I would like to thank the judging panel for their valuable contribution in selecting this year’s winners. I hope that the winners of this year’s awards take time to celebrate their success in what has been another phenomenal year for public and commercial property in Scotland.”
Chris Peace, managing director of sponsor Peace Recruitment added, “The Scottish Property Awards is by far the event of the year on the real estate calendar in Scotland. As a provider of specialist recruitment services in construction, property and engineering, the event provides us with excellent networking opportunities. We are delighted to support the awards for the fourth year running and congratulate all of the finalists and winners for their achievements.”
Full list of winners:
- Property Company of the Year – Drum Property Group
- Business Leadership Award – Ann Allen MBE
- Deal of the Year – 20 West Register Street (formerly The Mint Building), Edinburgh
- Judges Award of Excellence – Bayes Centre, the University of Edinburgh
- Development of the Year (Commercial Buildings) – The Edinburgh Grand, Chris Stewart Group
- Development of the Year (Public Buildings) – The V&A Dundee, James F Stephen Architects (executive architects), V&A Dundee and Dundee City Council
- Architectural Excellence Award (Commercial) – Hendrick’s Gin Palace, Girvan, Michael Laird Architects
- Architectural Excellence (Public) – The V&A Dundee, James F Stephen Architects (executive architects)
- Regeneration Project of the Year – West Dunbartonshire Council Office, Dumbarton – hub West Scotland on behalf of West Dunbartonshire Council
- Regeneration Project of the Year – Marischal Square, Aberdeen, Muse Developments, Aberdeen City Council and Aviva Investors
- Health Care Development of the Year – The Jack Copland Centre, Edinburgh, Reiach and Hall Architects and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service
- Student Accommodation Development of the Year – Havannah House, Glasgow, Anderson Bell Christie and Vastint Hospitality
- Office Agency Team of the Year – JLL
- Industrial Agency Team of the Year – Colliers International
- Investment Agency of the Year – CBRE
- Property Legal Team of the Year – Brodies LLP
- Finance Team of the Year – Royal Bank of Scotland
- Property Investment Team of the Year – M&G Real Estate
